Child Sexual Abuse Has Drastic Effects On Physical And Mental Wellbeing Of Survivors

*Trigger Warning: Child Sexual Abuse*

Child Sexual Abuse is a topic that has garnered growing concern and attention today. With abuse ranging from physical touch, emotional and psychological trauma and other exposures affecting children and adolescents worldwide, a shocking statistic can be drawn. One in three women and one out of five men report having been victims of Child Sexual Abuse.

With an untold number of cases that go unreported, we must consider the effects of this crime that ravages the youth and threatens individuals and society with it.

With the precedence of child sexual abuse, people sometimes choose to treat it like a one-time event, better forgotten and suppressed. But in doing so, they not only add to the stigma and empower the offenders but also overlook the long patterns of health effects that arise in relation to this trauma.

The Effects Of Child Sexual Abuse

The incidence of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) has been linked to emotional, physical, psychological, cognitive, social, spiritual and comprehensive health detriments and changes.

From the simplest mood fluctuations to chronic disorders, the long-term effects of CSA have been observed, studied and noted over the years, with the negative outcomes presenting a concerning picture threatening the wellbeing of the society as a whole.

The accumulation of stress and trauma in our bodies is worse than normal wear and tear. The toxins, injuries and strains build up and directly affect our bodily composition, finally being stored in our bodies, in our nervous system, causing long-lasting harm and the establishment of patterns that take extensive therapy and healing to overcome.

To some extent, the history of abuse and experience of the child defines the extent and variance of the long-lasting health effects of CSA. Every child is precious and every one is unique in the way they process, react, cope and heal. With this in mind, we can identify the widespread and concerning effects of CSA on the individual as a child and later as an adult.

As a child, caretaker, therapist, friend, or just a concerned human being, it can be important to understand these effects to help recognise, cope with and heal from the trauma. These effects include post-traumatic stress, cognitive disturbances, emotional pain, sleep disorders, social distortions, loss of self-identity, dysmorphia, chronic pain and overall health deterioration.

There have been many speculations about why sexual abuse in children leads to these long-lasting effects and consequences and even though a clear causal relationship cannot be established using current research, physical and psychological trauma has been identified as the common factor and probable cause that leads to a drastic shift inside a person.

From behaviour and thought patterns to physiology and psyche, an experience such as this affects the person to their core, especially a child still in their formative stages of development. The body goes into a flight or fight response which is prolonged till the body accepts this heightened sense of danger and creates an enduring level of anxiety in the child that gets ingrained in their brain and the body.

The confusion, guilt, anger, sadness and helplessness come together to create a toxic emotional cycle of repetition of thoughts and sensations, leading to symptoms of PTSD.

The physiological changes coupled with the changing perception of self and others can lead to depression and depressive symptoms that further support isolation and self-blame. It becomes critical to break this spiral rather than internalising or repressing these emotions and experiences.

The loss of the feeling of safety and control manifests in sleep disturbances where the person might experience panic, night terrors, insomnia or repetitive nightmares. The stored trauma and strain from anxiety and sleep disturbances coupled with social distortions can lead to survivors developing chronic illnesses like chronic fatigue disorders or pain disorders.

Living in pain that cannot be measured or cured can make the life of survivors harder than just social and mental struggles. 

The struggles of chronic pain, anxiety, depression and mental distortions also weaken the body and spirit of the survivors who do not get the proper support and safety. The built-up effects lead to health complications, economic problems, social disconnect and can even lead to self-sabotage.

There is also an element of emotional imbalance and dysregulation that stems from overwhelming and unprocessed feelings. In the most objective and medical terms, the immune system, nervous system and brain function of CSA survivors are directly affected, which makes them more susceptible to falling sick and reinforcing intermittent health lapses.

With the number of people seeking therapy and treatment for various physical ailments and psychological disturbances, the statistics point to a large number of them having child sexual abuse in their history. This has peaked interest in studies comparing the healthcare use of survivors vs. people who have not faced abuse.

Generally, a higher pattern of medical mistrust and a higher pattern of healthcare use is observed in CSA survivors starting from when they reach adolescence to late adulthood. The instance of survivors in therapy is also higher than those who have not faced abuse.

The quality of life, social relationships and reported satisfaction and happiness of CSA survivors are on average lower, especially in teenagers and early adults. This paints a concerning picture of the hidden effects of abuse that are often overlooked as the incident fades from public view.

Moreover, the stigma faced in the medical community, which unfortunately still falls short on the subject of CSA and related effects, makes it harder for people to heal at a comfortable and constant pace.

Every action has a reaction. Every formative experience, no matter how shallow or deep, shapes our growth and development. As we grow up, we carry with us our experiences, emotions and memories even if they no longer affect us consciously every day. The feedback associated with our experience further affects our perception of the same and leads to results of healing and growth or repression and damage.

A collective effort from all of us is required to understand these struggles and the health effects that add to the struggles of CSA survivors. The lifelong struggle and the cost of CSA extend far beyond the immediate effects and shock. Even if we choose not to address the effects of some act or incident, they do not diminish or cease to exist. Likewise, forcing the issue does not lead to resolution either.